Unions in Greece call widespread strikes, seeking a return to bargaining rights axed during bailouts

By DEREK GATOPOULOS and COSTAS KANTOURIS
Associated Press

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Strikes called by Greece’s largest labor union have halted ferries, disrupted public transport services and left some state-run hospitals running on emergency staffing levels in Athens and elsewhere. The General Confederation of Greek Labor, GSEE, led the strikes to press for a return of collective bargaining rights axed more than a decade ago during a severe financial crisis. Thousands of protesters gathered in central Athens for a peaceful demonstration. The 24-hour strikes also disrupted national rail services, though flights at Greek airports were not affected.